IT'S less than three weeks since we all took part in the annual ritual of turning the clocks back and mourned the passing of what's laughingly called British Summer Time!

If you, like so many others are already fed up with dark mornings and even darker afternoons, added to which has been the truly miserable weather of recent weeks, then what better way to cast off your cares than to begin planning for a holiday in the sun?

Age Concern's travel service for the over 50s has some tempting offers to help you get through the dark winter months, as Teresa Forrest, the charity's holidays organiser explained: "We have some fabulous offers coming up next year. Unfortunately, all our winter breaks are sold out, including our increasingly popular four-week winter getaway breaks to Spain.

"We have one twin room left on a pre-Christmas tinsel and turkey break to the always popular North Wales resort of Llandudno.

"Apart from that we can only whet your appetite with warm sunshine breaks in the popular resorts of Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Puerto del Carmen on the island of Lanzarote, Spain's Costa Brava and the lovely island of Menorca.

"In addition, prospective holidaymakers can choose from a wide variety of good value breaks offered between January and May which take in Benidorm, Malta, Majorca, Cyprus and Tenerife to name a few".

And travellers who prefer something a little closer to home won't be disappointed either with dates confirmed for summer visits to always popular Scarborough and Llandudno, a planned visit to Blackpool and, a little further afield, the Lochs and Glens of Scotland.

As part of Age Concern's service to older travellers, many of the holidays featured in next year's programme include travel arrangements, insurance and excursions as appropriate.

Where these aren't included as part of the package they can be arranged on your behalf at a very competitive price. What is included with all holidays is Teresa's promise: "We'll do all we can to ensure you get a good deal and a pleasant and relaxing holiday".

For further details of the complete range of holidays available call in at Age Concern's Ashburner Street Centre or ring Teresa on 01204 382411.